Across Georgia

ROME - The murder trial for one of the defendants in the love triangle slaying of a deacon is expected to begin next year.

Richard Scott Harper's trial for the 2004 murder of Thad John Reynolds is expected to start in August. A pretrial hearing Monday in Floyd County Superior Court disclosed the potential trial date.

Mr. Harper and Michelle Sullins Reynolds are accused of conspiring to kill Mr. Reynolds in a deadly love triangle. Thad Reynolds was found stabbed to death in July 2004 at the Frito-Lay distribution center where he worked.

Leaders to discuss extension of I-185

ALBANY - Business and government leaders have launched a campaign to extend Interstate 185 from Columbus to Montecello, Fla., a move they say would generate jobs and economic growth in rural southwestern Georgia and relieve crowding on Interstate 75.

Officials of the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce announced plans Monday to hold a meeting of county and city officials Dec. 12 to discuss the proposal. If there's enough support, they'll present a resolution to state lawmakers and to the Georgia Department of Transportation, which could use federal highway funds to finance the project.

From Columbus to Albany, the proposed 200-mile interstate extension would follow the path of existing State Route 520, also known as Corridor Z. Then it would follow another four-lane highway, U.S. Route 19, through Camilla, Pelham and Thomasville and connect with Interstate 10 in Jefferson County, Fla.

Georgia Farm Bureau to elect new leader

MACON - Members of the Georgia Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization, will elect a new president next month to replace Wayne Dollar.

The election will be held during the group's 68th annual convention Dec. 3-6, at Jekyll Island, when up to 1,600 delegates gather to attend commodity conferences, awards ceremonies and vote on policies that will set the group's legislative agenda for next year.